Yamaha Motorcycle
Yamaha FZ6
By : Nastopo Darmawan
I’ve analyzed two Yamaha bikes prior to purchasing one. They were both Yamaha R6 sport bikes. These R6s were both very fast. This issue was, though, that they were not at all comfortable for longer trips. You sit laying over the gas tank with hands and arms at an strange angle when holding onto the handlebars.
One of the criteria I set forth when contemplating a new motorcycle, and eventually the Yamaha FZ6, was comfort. The other was power and speed. What I encountered in the FZ6 was a much more straight up riding position. Also, Yamaha FZ6 lacks fairings on the sides to cover the engine and components like the R6.
The Yamaha FZ6 is everything I knew it could be. The upright riding style is far more tolerable for extended rides. In the speed department, it’s still breaking-in and I have not exceeded about 8,000 RPM. But even in this lower range, it’s got definite torque and power. And from what I’ve heard, the bike is a rocket-ship above 8,000 RPM. I’ll keep you updated after I start really seeing what it’s got.
My only criticisms thus far are the design of the seat, and the wind screen. I don’t particularly like the design of the seat. This is entirely an aesthetic complaint and has little to do with actual comfort. As for the windscreen, it doesn’t deflect air as much air above the rider as it should. At reasonably high speeds.
First and foremost, you must respect the abilities of the motorcycle. This is true for any motorcycle, but especially if you’re starting out with something more than a 250cc engine. As I’ve said, the Yamaha FZ6 is very fast, and must be treated with additional care and respect when just starting out.